Engagement celebration ideas

An engagement party doesn't need to be a mini wedding. Most of the nicest ones are a room full of people, decent food and one toast.

Below: ideas by scale, decorations that take ten minutes, a couple of games worth playing, the etiquette questions people ask, and wording for the card.

Hold it within a few months of the proposal, before wedding planning takes over the conversation.

Ways to celebrate

• Party at home: buffet, playlist, one toast at 8pm.
• Pub back room - cheap, easy, no clearing up.
• Dinner for eight at a long table, with a toast between courses.
• Garden barbecue in summer, gazebo ready in case.
• Afternoon tea for the two families to meet properly.
• A weekend away with the closest friends instead of a party.
• Brunch engagement party - cheaper and finished by two.
• Just the two of them: dinner somewhere good, party later.

Decorations

• One banner behind the drinks table is enough.
• Balloons in threes, in two colours only.
• A photo of the proposal, framed, by the door.
• Table confetti and tealights for an evening do.
• A ring cake topper on a plain iced cake.
• A card box, so nothing gets lost during the night.

Games and moments

• How well do they know each other - ten questions, answered separately.
• Guess the wedding date, with a prize for the closest.
• Advice cards for married life, read out at the wedding instead.
• A memory jar of how each guest met the couple.
• One toast, from one person, at a time announced in advance.
• A group photo taken early, before anyone's had three drinks.

Engagement party etiquette

• Traditionally the bride's family hosts, but these days it's usually the couple or whoever offers.
• Gifts aren't expected - a card is plenty.
• Only invite people who'll also be invited to the wedding.
• Hold it within about three months of the proposal.
• Keep speeches to one, and keep it short.

What to write in an engagement card

• Congratulations - about time too.
• So happy for you both. Here's to the whole adventure.
• One down, a lifetime to go. Congratulations.
• Delighted for you both - can't wait for the wedding.
• To the happy couple, with love.
• Best news we've had all year.

Shop engagement cards

Cake toppers and decorations

Toppers, banners and confetti, designed in house and printed in the UK.

How to write it so it lands

• One toast, one speaker, announced in advance.
• Take the group photo before 8pm.
• Put out a card box so nothing goes missing.
• Don't invite anyone who won't make the wedding list.

Where to shop next

• Baby shower ideas
• Celebration cake ideas and toppers
• Celebration of life ideas
• Graduation celebration ideas
• Retirement celebration ideas
• 50th wedding anniversary ideas
• Anniversary celebration ideas
• Celebration quotes
• Christening celebration ideas
• Housewarming celebration ideas
• Engagement cards
• Wedding cards
• Party supplies
• Birthday party ideas
• Engagement party decorations
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas
• Party bag ideas for adults
• How much helium do you need for balloons?

Frequently asked questions

Who pays for an engagement party?

Traditionally the bride's family, but in the UK now it's most often the couple themselves, or whichever family offers. There's no expectation either way.

Do you give gifts at an engagement party?

No. A card is the normal thing to bring. Save the gift for the wedding.

How long after getting engaged should you have a party?

Within about three months, while it's still the news. After that, wedding planning tends to take over and it can feel like a rehearsal for the wedding.

Who should you invite to an engagement party?

Only people who will also be invited to the wedding. Inviting someone to the engagement and not the wedding causes more upset than not inviting them at all.